Other passengers alerted the driver who threatened to call the police.

But Woolley instead held a lighter to the seat causing it to burn.

Now the defendant – who is subject to three community orders – has been told to pay compensation to First following the incident in Kidsgrove.

Emma Thompson, prosecuting at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, said: “The driver was told that someone was smoking and it was this defendant. He continued this journey and when she went to the rear of the bus she had a cigarette in her mouth. He asked her to leave the bus and she ignored him.

“He left his cab and made his way to her and she just laughed at him and he said he would call the police. He thought she was under the influence.

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Chairman of the bench, Claire Hogan told Woolley: “Up until 2018 you had never been seen in this court. It is clear something is going on in your life and we need to encourage you to get help and support from probation. The support is there for you. You need to help us to help you.”

Dan Flanagan, of First

Bosses at First today welcomed the court action.

Operations manager Dan Flanagan said “Any criminal damage caused to a bus is a cost to our business and over 12 months that cost can be quite considerable.

“I am satisfied that the case has been resolved, the bus in question is back in the fleet and we can now concentrate on delivering a normal service for our customers.”